Teen pregnancy cases in the United States have been steadily decreasing since the last decade. This, however, doesn’t mean that teenage girls are no longer getting pregnant, according to reports.
Statistics have shown that over 40 teenage girls out of a thousand end up pregnant each year. However, unlike a decade ago, teenage pregnancies are no longer viewed as taboo. More disturbingly a lot of teenage girls are looking at teen pregnancy combined with sexy maternity lingerie as a status symbol.
The educational system and popular media have also gone easier on pregnant teens. In the past, high school girls who found themselves pregnant had to leave school and ‘stay with a relative’. Today, pregnant teens often continue attending classes until their due dates. Their classmates no longer ostracize them – they may reprimand the teen for being ‘stupid’. But the end feeling is that of excitement.
The Media has also contributed to the changing view of teenage pregnancy. The movie ‘Juno’ epitomizes the situation that pregnant teens face today. Coverage of famous pregnant teens like Jamie Lynn Spears and VP candidate Sarah Palin’s daughter also help to lift the stigma.
Experts, parents and educators alike are left worried by this news. Teens get into these situations without really knowing what they are getting themselves into. But, there is hope as more and more teen idols like, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers are advocating abstinence. And these stars may be influential enough to change the minds of youth belong to their generation.
